Saturday, July 21, 2012

Favorite Children's Books: F is for Freedom

In this Independence day month, I know freedom has been on my mind a lot. I'm so grateful for the freedoms that we have in the United States of America! It's so important to teach our children the importance of freedom. They need to understand that valiant people in this country have paid the price for freedom and we will have to continue to pay the price if we want freedom to remain.

"F is for freedom" by Roni Schotter is a wonderful children's book that tells what that price was for one family in 1850 America. Amanda is a 10 year old girl who lives at the time just before the Civil War. She and her family live in one of the free states where slavery was not permitted. Amanda is a typical girl, living a typical life until she stumbles upon a secret: her family is party to helping slaves escape on the underground railroad! One of the former slaves, Hannah, becomes Amanda's good friend. Hannah desires freedom more than anything in the world and Amanda is willing to risk everything to help her.

This endearing story teaches children about the importance of freedom, friendship, justice, loyalty, courage, faith, and the power of literacy. As I read it, I felt history coming alive for me through the eyes of these amazing 19th century families. It is written simply so readers of early chapter books should be able to understand. I think it would also make a great book to read aloud to younger children. This is a wonderful book to add to your "good books list" or home library collection. I hope you enjoy is as much as we have!